
Car Care Guide
Here to shed light on some of the most common terms you'll encounter in the world of car care.
GLOSSARY
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2 Bucket Wash
A washing method that separates rinse water from soapy water to minimize the risk of recontaminating the car with dirt captured in the wash mitt. Grit guards are recommended for added protection in the rinse bucket.
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Abrasive
Materials that clean or polish through friction, often used in compounds and polishes.
Abrasive Polish
A cleaning compound containing tiny particles that remove scratches and imperfections from the paint surface. (Use with caution!)
Acrylic Sealant
A synthetic paint sealant that forms a protective barrier on the vehicle's paint. Acrylic sealants are easier to apply than waxes and provide 6-12 months of protection against UV rays, environmental contaminants, and light scratches.
Aftermarket Products
Any car care product or accessory added to a vehicle after it leaves the factory.
All-in-One (AIO)
A product that combines polish and protection in one step.
Automatic Wash
A convenient car wash system that uses automated machinery for cleaning.
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Beading
The way water forms tight, round droplets on a well-maintained car surface, a sign of good paint protection.
Buffing
The process of polishing a car's surface with an abrasive compound to remove scratches and imperfections.
Bug and Tar Remover
A specialized cleaner designed to remove bugs, tar, and sap from paint without damaging it.
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Carnauba Wax
A natural wax used in car waxes for its deep, warm shine and water-repelling properties.
Ceramic Coating
A liquid applied to car paint that forms a hard, protective layer, enhancing gloss, repelling water, and making cleaning easier.
Ceramic Wax
Waxes that contain ceramic particles or ingredients to provide enhanced gloss, hydrophobicity, and protection compared to traditional carnauba waxes.
Clay Bar
A pliable compound used to remove contaminants from the surface of a car's paint, glass, and metal.
Clear Bra
A transparent, protective film (PPF) pplied to the front of a vehicle to protect the paint from chips and scratches.
Compound
A more abrasive cleaning product used to remove heavier scratches and imperfections from car paint. (Let the experts handle this!)
Convertible Top Cleaning
Specialized cleaning and treatment process for protecting and maintaining the soft top of a convertible car.
Cut and PolishProcess where an extremely fine layer of clear coat is removed using specific cutting and polishing compounds. This flattens the surface of your vehicle's paint work, permanently removing fine swirls and scratches in your clear coat which appear when looking at your paint in direct sunlight.
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DA Polisher (Dual Action)
A machine polisher that combines rotary and orbital motions to reduce the risk of paint damage.
Degreaser
A strong cleaner that removes grease, oil, and other heavy contaminants.
Deodorization
Process of removing unwanted odours from a vehicle's interior, often using specialized cleaning products or ozone treatment.
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Edgeless Towel
A microfiber towel without edges, reducing the risk of scratching the paint during use.
Engine Detailing
A comprehensive cleaning and detailing service specifically for your car's engine bay.
Exterior Detail
A car detailing service focusing on the exterior of the vehicle, including washing, polishing, waxing, and trim restoration.
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Fabric Protector
A coating applied to upholstery to repel stains and spills.
Fading
The loss of paint color and shine over time, often due to sun exposure.
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Glass Coating
A specialized coating applied to car windows to repel water, dirt, and improve visibility in rain and snow.
Glaze
A non-abrasive product that fills in minor scratches and enhances paint shine.
Graphene Coating
An advanced form of paint protection that uses graphene, a super-strong carbon material, to create an ultra-durable, hydrophobic coating.
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Hard Water Spots
Mineral deposits left on a car's surface after water evaporates.
Headlight Restoration
A process to restore clarity and brilliance to faded or yellowed headlights.
Hybrid Sealants
Products that combine the properties of a sealant and a wax, offering the easy application of a sealant with some of the depth and warmth of a wax.
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Interior Detail
A car detailing service focusing on the interior of the vehicle, including cleaning upholstery, carpets, and dashboards.
IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol)
Used to remove polish residue and oils before applying a sealant or wax.
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Jet Wash
A high-pressure wash system used to remove dirt and grime from a vehicle's exterior.
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Knitted Mitt
A wash mitt made from knitted microfiber, used for its softness and cleaning efficiency.
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Leather Conditioner
A product that moisturizes and protects leather surfaces, preventing cracking and fading.
Leather Conditioning
The process of cleaning and nourishing leather seats and surfaces to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
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Machine Polish
Polishing a car's paint using a power buffer for a faster and more consistent finish.
Maintenance Wash
A regular car wash to remove dirt and grime, keeping your car looking clean and preventing build-up.
Microfiber
A synthetic fiber used in towels and mitts for its softness and ability to trap dirt and moisture.
Mini Detail
A focused car detailing service targeting specific areas like the interior or wheels.
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Nanocoating
A type of ceramic coating that bonds with the paint at a molecular level for long-lasting protection.
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Orbital Buffer
A machine that polishes paint in an orbital pattern, ideal for applying wax or sealant.
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Paint Correction
The process of removing defects from a vehicle's paintwork to restore its original shine.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
A clear film applied to a car's paint to protect it from scratches, chips, and UV damage.
Polish
A less abrasive cleaning product used to enhance shine and remove minor imperfections from car paint.
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Rubbing Compound
A gritty substance used to sand down the vehicle's clear coat and remove deeper scratches.
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Sealant
A synthetic product that provides a protective layer over a car's paint, offering longer-lasting protection than wax.
Scratch Removal
Techniques used to remove or minimize scratches on a car's paintwork. (For deeper scratches, consult the Claebar experts!)
Swirl Marks
Fine scratches in a car's paintwork, usually caused by improper washing and drying techniques.
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Tint
A film applied to windows to reduce glare, heat, and provide privacy.
Touchless Wash
An automatic car wash that cleans the vehicle without physical contact, to minimize the risk of scratches.
Trim Restorer
A product that brings back the original colour and shine to faded plastic trim.
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Undercarriage Wash
Cleaning the underside of your car to remove dirt, grime, and road salt build-up.
UV Protection
Products or additives that protect surfaces from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light.
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Valet (Detailing)
Often used interchangeably with "detailing," refers to a complete car cleaning and detailing service, making your car look its best.
Vinyl Wrap
A thin film that's applied over a car's paint to change its color or finish and protect the original paint.
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Wax
A protective coating applied to a car's paint to enhance shine and provide a barrier against the elements.
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X-Cut
A term used to describe a cross-cut action when sanding or compounding to ensure even coverage.
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Yellowing
The discoloration of paint, coatings, or plastics, often due to UV exposure or age.
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Zeolite
A substance used in air fresheners to neutralize odours inside a car.
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